Breastfeeding Rates Studied

< Sep. 15, 2010 > -- A new study from the US government shows that seventy-five percent of newborns delivered in 2007 in the US started life breastfeeding. While this figure meets federal goals, it was also found that the breastfeeding rate plummeted to 43 percent at six months and 22 percent at one year.

The study found that half of the states had breastfeeding initiation rates above 75 percent, which is a goal of Healthy People 2010. That program also calls for 50 percent of infants to continue breastfeeding for six months and 25 percent for one year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s 2010 Breastfeeding Report Card.

Research has shown that breastfeeding offers many health benefits to babies, including protection from bacterial and viral infections and reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life.

Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk, in children, of getting type 1 or type 2 diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia. In mothers, it is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, breast or ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression, according to the National Women's Health Information Center.

Meeting One Goal Not Enough

"Meeting the national breastfeeding initiation goal is a great accomplishment in women's and children's health, but we have more work ahead," says Dr. William Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.

"We need to direct even more effort toward making sure mothers have the support they need in hospitals, workplaces, and communities to continue breastfeeding beyond the first few days of life so they can make it to those six- and 12-month marks," he says.

"Evidence shows that hospital routines can help or hinder mothers and babies as they are learning to breastfeed. The care that mothers receive from hospitals should always be based on practices that are proven to help them continue breastfeeding after they go home," says Carol MacGowan, public health advisor for the CDC division.

Wide Range of Adherence Found

The report shows that breastfeeding initiation rates ranged from 52.5 percent in Mississippi to nearly 90 percent in Utah. Breastfeeding rates at six months ranged from about 20 percent in Louisiana to more than 62 percent in Oregon, while rates at one year ranged from 8 percent in Mississippi to nearly 40 percent in Oregon.

US hospitals had an average score of 65 out of 100 possible points on a CDC survey that measures infant nutrition and care, according to the report card. The scores ranged from 50 in Mississippi to 81 in New Hampshire.

Less than 4 percent of US births occur at facilities designated as Baby-Friendly, a program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The program outlines 10 steps that support the initiation of breastfeeding and identifies hospitals that meet internationally recognized standards for maternity and breastfeeding support.

"High initiation rates tell us that a lot of moms plan to breastfeed, but these rates do not indicate that a birth facility is doing what it need to support them in their effort," MacGowan says.

Always consult your physician or healthcare provider for more information.

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Knock Down the Hurdles to Breastfeeding

Breast-feeding is one of the greatest health advantages you can give your infant. It is the "gift that lasts a lifetime," says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) committee on breast-feeding.

A breastfed baby may be less prone to ear infections and diarrhea. The child may also face less risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and asthma, the AAP says.

Ideally, you should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, with a goal of continuing breast milk for at least the first year. But you may face obstacles.

Both mom and baby must learn how to breastfeed in the first few days. This is the time when antibody-rich and easily digestible colostrum is produced. Some mothers worry that colostrum is not enough to nourish their baby, but it is the perfect food for newborns. Breast milk comes in for most mothers from two to five days after birth.

Moms who want to keep breastfeeding when they go back to work may face barriers such as supervisors' lack of support or rigid work hours, say lactation experts.

Knowing the hurdles helps you find ways around them. Here are some tips:

Tell the hospital you want only breast milk for your newborn, and keep your baby with you as much as possible for frequent feedings.

Do not worry if you do not have a lot of milk in the first 72 hours after the birth. This is the time to teach the baby to latch on, according to the AAP.

If your baby is not latching on properly your nipples can get sore. Have an expert watch you feed your baby and offer suggestions.

Talk with your superiors and colleagues to arrange to breastfeed at work. If you let coworkers know how important breast-feeding is to your baby, they are more likely to help you.

Get information from sound sources. These include your pediatrician, the AAP, or a certified lactation consultant, such as a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association.

Take care of yourself. Have a glass of vegetable juice or milk when you come home from work, relax, and breastfeed.

Be realistic about the hurdles of breast-feeding so you do not give up.

Always consult your physician or healthcare provider for more information.